What happened
On July 25, 2019, an Air Tractor AT-802AF, registration EC-MCX, was engaged in aerial firefighting operations near the Silves area in Portugal. The aircraft, part of a two-ship formation based at Beja airport, proceeded to the Beliche Dam to perform water scooping operations.
During the first approach to the reservoir, the pilot performed a south-to-north pass to assess the water surface. On a second approach, the aircraft touched the water long, and the pilot decided to abort the maneuver and drop the collected water to reposition the aircraft. Following a suggestion from the second aircraft in the formation, the pilot attempted a second scooping pass without refilling the tanks to avoid delaying the mission.
During this second attempt, the pilot again decided to abort the maneuver after a significant distance was covered. The pilot reported reaching a speed of only 62 KIAS, which was insufficient for a safe takeoff given the surrounding terrain. To avoid hitting two islets in the takeoff path, the pilot applied engine reverse thrust. While performing a 18/0-degree right turn to reposition the aircraft, the right elevator was damaged. Due to the low water level at the dam, the pilot was unable to prevent the left wingtip from striking the steep terrain. The aircraft slid out of the water and came to a halt on the shore.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the flight dynamics, the pilot's experience, and the operational pressures present during the mission. The investigation focused on the sequence of aborted maneuvers and the subsequent loss of control during the repositioning turn.
Findings
- The pilot was properly certified and authorized for the flight, and the aircraft and operator were fully compliant with mission requirements.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure or system malfunction.
- The chosen scooping point was appropriate given the wind and water conditions.
- The pilot had limited experience in the amphibious model, having performed the majority of previous flight hours in the land-based taildragger configuration.
- The pilot's technique, specifically maintaining a high nose-up attitude, likely prevented the aircraft from reaching the necessary takeoff speed, leading to the successive aborted maneuvers.
- The pilot experienced additional operational pressure from the more experienced partner in the formation, who was focused on the mission objectives.
Safety action
Following an internal investigation, the operator decided to implement several measures to mitigate operational gaps, including:
- Implementing CRM (Crew Resource Management) refresher training for all firefighting personnel.
- Standardizing firefighting procedures and techniques, such as approach and scooping methods, across all pilots.
- Developing and disseminating detailed maps and training for all designated water scooping points within the operational area.